Three labor leaders, who had been invited to the meeting as representatives of construction unions, did not attend.

Towards the end of March 2006, the government announced steps to allow construction unions.

Local 825 has had the guarantee in its contracts for decades, something the industry officials say no other construction union has.

No such thing as a construction union here.

The increase had the backing of construction unions and some business groups, but many drivers opposed it.

In exchange, the construction unions had promised to moderate their wage demands.

It's a big relief not having to deal with the construction unions," he said.

The group sought to use the energy of the civil rights movement to open the historically white construction unions.

Local people do not hold much hope for employment related to the highway, since few belong to construction unions.

New York has a tradition of corruption among hauling companies and construction unions, which are expected to play a prominent role in the city's recovery.